Study: Mother Teresa ‘anything but a saint’

Mother Teresa, who is revered in many parts of the world as the messiah of the poor, was 'anything but a saint,' according to a study conducted by Canadian researchers.

(RNN) - Researchers from Montreal University are aiming to dispel Mother Teresa's saintliness based on a study of published writings about her life.

The research said the Nobel Peace Prize winner and iconic figure was much more interested in praying for the suffering humanity rather than contributing monetarily for it.

Canadian researchers probed through more than 300 originally researched literature on the beloved Catholic nun and concluded her reputation as one of the holiest women of the 20th century was more of a media hype campaign than anything.

Researchers said that although Mother Teresa raised millions to help the poor and suffering, much of the money remained unspent, and suggested her at fault in not using funds to alleviate suffering.

Serge Larivée, a researcher from the university, said, "Given the parsimonious management of Mother Teresa's works, one may ask where the millions of dollars for the poorest of the poor have gone?"

The researchers also pointed out Vatican City overlooked issues related to her personality as well.

The researchers mentioned, "her dubious way of caring for the sick, her questionable political affiliations and her overly dogmatic views about contraception, abortion and divorce."

The study even went on to claim that Mother Teresa found it beautiful to see the poor suffer.

The research is due to be published later in March in the journal of studies in religion/sciences called Religieuses.